Bed bugs get their name from where they often decide to sleep, in your bed. Most people have heard of bed bugs before but don’t know what they look like.
What do Bed Bugs Look Like?
These bugs are only ¼ inch long when adults, and 2-3mm when infants. They are mahogany in color but become reddish-brown after feeding.
Bed bugs are incredibly hard to spot because they are nearly colorless, like specs of dandruff. Bed bugs only feed on blood and need regular blood to survive. This is why you will often find them feasting on you in the wee hours of the morning in your California home.
Over 3,000 years ago our ancestors were suffering from bed bug problems as well. They can be found in homes, hotels, schools, stores, public busses, and even offices. Although often associated with dirty motels or used mattresses, bed bugs can be spread by anyone regardless of cleanliness.
It can be extremely difficult to spot bed bugs which allows them to spawn unnoticed. They can be transported in luggage, through couches, office furniture, headboards, beds, pillows, or even backpacks. The most common sign of an infestation is marked on your body, but the trouble is that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, and eggs can be laid undetected leading to the risk of spreading very easily.
Why Do Bed Bugs Enter Your Home?
Bed bugs come from other infested areas, or sometimes from used furniture. They can enter your home through luggage, your purse, a backpack, or anything else that is placed onto soft or upholstered surfaces. They are able to travel between apartments in the same building, or hotel rooms. The main purpose of entering your home is to feed on your blood.
Bed Bugs Are a Risk to Your Health
The most obvious health risk of bed bugs is their bite. Because bed bug bites are often all over the body, those who experience a severe allergic reaction will suffer from serious issues. This might include a life-threatening situation should you suffer from an infection due to the bites.
Bed bugs can also cause you to sleep deprivation due to itching all night. This will eventually lead to high stress which can cause a host of other problems.
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Common Signs of Bed Bugs
- Small red bite marks on your body: These are extremely itchy red spots. They are often small, to begin with, but then swell each morning. You may not notice these bites for up to three days after you obtain them
- Small black dots in mattress stitching: These are actually fecal spots. They can be found in more places than just your mattress too, often being found in both upholstery and walls.
- Molt skins: Another sign of a bed bug infestation is their molt skins, along with their eggs. These will appear pale white. You may even find eggshells or actual bed bugs.
Tips to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation
Avoid Secondhand Furniture
If you must purchase beds and couches secondhand, then look for signs of an infestation before purchase.
Use a Mattress Cover
Using a protective cover that goes over both your mattresses and box spring will help to avoid hiding spots. It also makes it easier to see bugs.
Reduce Clutter
Clutter and trash are the easiest places for bugs to hide. Reduce clutter and reduce your risk for hiding spots.
Hire a Pest Control Company
This is the most effective way to solve an infestation once you see the signs. If you do not catch it in the beginning, not only will you run the risk of a more troublesome infestation, but you may also spread it to other people.
Vacuum Often
This will allow you to remove any bugs that have made their way into your home before they find a hiding spot.
Be Careful When Using Shared Laundry Areas
Be sure to transport items in plastic bags if you have an active infestation, and use a new bag when you go home.
Use the Dryer on High Heat
This is not a guarantee, but can often help to kill bugs that exist on your clothes or sheets.
Isolate Your Apartment
If you live in a unit of a multi-family building you can install door sweeps, and seal all cracks around baseboards.
Speak to an Expert today!
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Hire a Bed Bug Exterminator
Bug bed infestations can be extremely serious. Rather than terrorized every night in your sleep, call a pest control company. At Pacific Pest Control we have gotten rid of hundreds of bed bug infestations across LA and Orange County. If you notice a few signs of a bed bug infestation in your home, contact a bed bug exterminator right away!
Contact us today to get a free quote!
